Monday, November 1, 2010

One thought I had back in April of this year, but one I don't think I posted a story about is this: the real sign that tablets will become a successful device won't be seen in the number of news media apps developed for them, but in the number of non-media apps developed. In other words, the iPad needs to become as ubiquitous as the cell phone.
One way that can happen would be if the device becomes a popular with gamers, but I'm not sure that really helps media companies. But when you see apps like this one for Jimmy John's (right) you have to see that there are companies betting that tablets will become common place and they don't want to be left out.

Another sign that the iPad is that there are new media players eager to jump in. Take this app for Martha Stewart by Callaway Digital Arts. This $7.99 app has been released in time for the holiday baking season -- just as a book publisher would release a new cookbook for Christmas. But this app, Martha Stewart Makes Cookies (I know, bad name) includes video content and is designed specifically for the iPad. I assume that content comes directly from a similar book already released a few years ago, updated with video, but the chance to update the content for the iPad gives the release a new lease on life.

I grew up in Detroit and one of the few happy sports memories from my childhood was the 1968 World Series victory by the Tigers over the Cardinals, highlighted by the improbable game seven victory by Mickey Lolich over the unbeatable, future hall-of-famer Bob Gibson.

But after graduating with my "J" degree I moved to California and left behind Detroit area sports forever. In Los Angles, my new home, sports fans had the Magic Johnson led Lakers, Fernando Valenzuela and the Dodgers, and Marcus Allen and the Raiders (for a while). It seemed to this newcomer to LA that a local sports team won a championship every year. It was all too easy.

Then I moved to San Francisco and there were the mighty 49ers of Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. But the Giants were a sad story. Unable to win a World Series since moving to the City, and being courted by Tampa Bay executives, it looked like Giants fans might lose their team.

Now the Giants are one win away from winning it all (though I guarantee you no wise Giants fan is celebrating prematurely). And now living here in Chicago and watching Cub fans and the endless torture they endure, it is easy to imagine the pure joy the Bay Area will feel if the team can close the deal.

Speaking of the Cubs: if the Red Sox can win a series, if the White Sox can win one, wouldn't a victory by the Giants be a sign that the Cubs are next?

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